The Local Plan
The Local Plan sets out a vision and framework for development in the borough. It addresses needs and opportunities across a number of themes, including housing, the economy, community facilities, infrastructure, and the environment.
The Local Plan is the starting-point for considering whether planning applications can be approved. Along with the London Plan it forms the Development Plan against which individual proposals are assessed.

The Local Plan
Local Plan Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Development Plan Document
Joint Waste Plan
Local Plan Policies Map
To understand the Policies Map it needs to read it in conjunction with the Local Plan below.
Supplementary Guidance
- Forest Gate SPD (PDF)
- Canning Town and Custom House SPD (PDF)
- Advertisements SPG (PDF)
- Altering and Extending Your Home SPD (PDF)
- Shopfront Design Guide SPG (PDF)
- Olympic Legacy SPG (2012), refer to Greater London Authority website.
The Stratford Metropolitan Masterplan can also be used as a guide in the assessment of applications in the Stratford area.
If you are unsure how SPDs effect your application you are encouraged to seek pre-application advice from the council.
Lea River Park
Delivery of the Lea River Park is a strategic objective within the Local Plan and has the support of local councillors and neighbouring authorities. The park will be transformative for the western boundary of the Borough, improving connections, outdoor amenity and leisure provision.
More information is provided in guidance prepared by the LLDC:
- the Primer (which sets out the vision, benefits and key features of the park)
- the Design Manual (which establishes principles and examples for the design of waterside interventions)
- the Curatorial Approach (which seeks to ensure the historic legacy of the River Lea is reflected in artistic and cultural activity within the park).
Article 4 Directions
- You will need permission to change any dwelling house into a house in multiple occupation (HMO)
- Some changes that usually fall under ‘permitted development’ are restricted in conservation areas.
Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP)
The Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) identifies infrastructure requirements across the borough, setting out what is needed, where, and when. It includes projects relevant to waste, transport, education, utilities, health, culture, sports, the emergency services, and green infrastructure.
The IDP is used as evidence for both the Local Plan and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), it also helps co-ordinate the partnerships required to deliver infrastructure improvements in a timely manner to support development.
The IDP will be updated as needed to inform further iterations of the Local Plan and CIL Charging Schedule.
Infrastructure Delivery Plan (PDF)
London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC)
London City Airport Main Constraints
London City Airport Main Constraints comprise:
- Safeguarding
- Full Use Noise Contours
- Public Safety Zones
These are shown as layers on the interactive map.
Safeguarding
The Aerodrome Safeguarding Map for London City Airport was published by the Civil Aviation Authority in October 2004.
The interactive map shows how different parts of Newham are affected and indicates when proposals for development above specified heights should be referred to London City Airport for comment.- that restrictions on biodiversity do not mean that measures to promote biodiversity cannot be incorporated into a development scheme
- in relation to development plan policies and assessment of planning applications, the Airport guidance carries no ‘weight’.
Full Use Noise Contours
London City Airport is expanding in accordance with current planning permissions. The number of flights is forecast to increase and noise levels within the vicinity of the Airport are forecast to increase as a result.
The interactive map shows forecast noise levels in terms of Decibel Contours to inform applicants for planning permission in those areas that the design of buildings and open spaces should include appropriate measures to mitigate the forecast noise levels.
Public Safety Zones
Development within the designated Public Safety Zones is extremely restricted. Guidance on what type of development might be acceptable or unacceptable in principle can be found in Circular 1/2010: ‘Control of Development in Airport Public Safety Zones.
Annual Performance Report 2018
Epping Forest Mitigation Zones
Important advice from Natural England regarding residential development
As the ‘appropriate nature conservation body’ for the purposes of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, Natural England’s advice has great weight and the Council has a duty to follow it.
At present, in order to comply with the 2017 regulations and March 2019 advice, all residential development that falls within the 6.2km ‘Zone of Influence’ will be subject to a project-level HRA screening and, where necessary, appropriate assessment.
From 1st April 2019, the Council (as the ‘competent authority’ under 2017 regulations) will carry out the screening and any required appropriate assessment at the planning application stage.
- New dwellings of 1+ units (excluding replacement dwellings and extensions).
- Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
- Student accommodation.
- Residential care homes and residential institutions (excluding nursing homes).
- Residential caravan sites (excluding holiday caravans and campsites).
- Gypsy, traveller, and travelling show-person plots.
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